Cleveland Indians first baseman Nick Swisher quickly turned things around for the lackluster home crowd in Cleveland on Thursday afternoon, clubbing a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth against Los Angeles Angels closer Ernesto Frieri, turning around a dismal afternoon that had seen the veteran strike out three times in his first four at-bats and draw boos from Indians fans in attendance.
In a matchup of young talents, Zack Wheeler ruined the big league debut of Marlins southpaw Andrew Heaney, tossing his first career complete game, scattering just three hits and facing one over the minimum in a 1-0 win over Miami at Marlins Park. Heaney allowed just one run, which came on a solo home run, in six innings – but the offense wasn’t on its game for the young lefty.
Cubs prospect Kris Bryant hit a home run in his first game with Triple-A Iowa, which turned the heads of plenty around the world of Minor League Baseball, and tonight, Chicago catcher Welington Castillo is expected to play. He was held out of last night’s contest due to wet field conditions. Chicago will open a home stand against the Pirates this afternoon, with first pitch slated for 3:05 p.m. CT.
Here’s more from around the league.
Bryant homers in Triple-A debut to lead Cubs to win – iowacubs.com
Wheeler outduels Marlins prospect in shutout – ESPN
Welington Castillo joins Iowa Cubs on rehab assignment – Cubbies Crib
Second-rounder Stinnett among Cubs’ signings – Cubs.com
Nick of time: Slam leads Indians to win – MLB.com